Tuesday, June 26, 2012

MAC Shale Eye Shadow Review & Swatches

Despite the fact that MAC launches a dizzying number of collections in any given month- they do have a great many, often overlooked,  jewels from their permanent range. Shale Eye Shadow is one such gem. MAC describes Shale (Satin) as a "Mauve-plum with subtle shimmer," however I would add that it resides on the cooler edge of the taupe family (with mauve-plum undertones) when swatched on my skin.
It has a smooth and even texture, and applies to the skin effortlessly. I think that it actually feels a bit more like a Veluxe Pearl than a Satin finish eye shadow. The sheen is subtle, and there is no fall-out whatsoever.
This is a gorgeous shadow in every way, and a must-have for anyone who loves mauvey taupes.
Overall assessment: This is a really lovely eye shadow, and I will be reaching for this all of the time. If you are one of the many people who lost that loving feeling for MAC- remember that they still do have some very solid performers from their permanent range, and Shale is definitely one of them.

$15.00 where MAC is sold. $11.50 in Pro Palette Refill Pan

16 comments:

  1. I was never particularly enamoured with MAC, but they do have some really nice neutrals. I tend to overlook them so often though as their counters are always so busy and I completely ignore seasonal limited editions. I will try to have a look for this one, it looks lovely and I am in need of some (more) neutrals and taupes.

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    1. Well, their rife succession of limited edition releases is so dizzying that it's almost easier to walk away altogether rather than engaging! In hindsight I should have picked up the refill pan, but I wasn't at a freestanding MAC store. I really do like this color a great deal. It's definitely has a purple mauve base-- so it will be interesting to see whether it pulls at all taupe on you when you swatch it!

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  2. hey, i m planning to get this shade! I m nc42 in mac. Should i use this as a lid shade or a crease shade?

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    1. Hi beaute desastre! I would imagine that you could use it either on the lid or in the crease. I have found it to be pretty buildable, but I would try to swatch it in person to make sure that it gives you as much color as you want. I do imagine that it would be gorgeous on your nc42 skin though!

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  3. That is very pretty, actually I wonder if I already have that shade I'll have to check, guess thats a sign I have too many shadows ;) xx

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    1. It is really pretty! I wouldn't be surprised if you already had this in your stash-- it's a perfect color for you! I can't wait to hear what you think of it. Ahhh yes, having too many shadows is something that I am all too familiar with! ;D

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  4. I have this color. I go back and forth on whether I like it or not.

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    1. Hi Laura- do you feel like it shows up with a sort of bruised appearance? I have heard a few people say that before. On me it looks like a plummy taupe. I would think that it would be gorgeous on you!!!

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  5. My sister worked for MAC for over a dozen years and this was always one she suggested. She uses it often for brides too. It's versatile because you can use it very lightly or intensify if you want.

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    1. I am not surprised that your sister always suggested Shale. I agree that it is very versatile, and that it can easily be intensified. Very pretty!

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  6. I like reviews of permanent products. I agree that they are often overlooked for the sake of fleeting collections.

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    1. I agree, BooBoo-- I like seeing reviews of permanent products as well. It's nice to look at products and contemplate whether they are right for you without the frenzy of "needing" to buy before it sells out!

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  7. I totally agree with you Lola. It seems everyone is tired of keeping up with MAC's endless collections every year, but they definitely have some wonderful products in their permanent collection. Shale is one of my all time favorite eye shadows from MAC. I hit the pan with it!!

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    1. Hi Reika, I agree with you that it has become so tiresome-- particularly when there are so many under-performers in the limited edition collection (not all of course). I actually had walked away from the Crew Highlighting Powder from HEY SAILOR! until I saw your review, and then I decided to order it :-)

      I am not at all surprised that Shale is one of your all time favorite eye shadows from MAC. that says a great deal that you have hit the pan. I will no doubt be hitting the pan as well! Thanks for stopping by!

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  8. Shale is one of those famous shades that I feel like I must have eventually. That swatch is so very pretty and makes it incredibly tempting.

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    1. I really find it to be such a gorgeous shade, and the quality is superb on this one. I'm not really sure why I didn't have it in my stash before now!

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